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PCSO Lee Hurley, of the Huntingdonshire Burglary Team, said: “Car security has improved greatly in recent years, long gone are the days that thieves are able to easily ‘hot wire’ a vehicle in order to steal it.

“These days, offenders are seeking to steal cars by burgling houses with the specific intention of stealing keys.

We have seen a number of instances recently where our residents have been targeted in this way.

“We are urging people to help by remaining vigilant – during the day, be on the lookout for any unusual people or vehicles paying attention to the driveway of a house where a desirable car is parked, even if it’s not there at the time, similarly late at night, if you’re coming or going be on the lookout for any unusual activity.

“The types of vehicles that have been targeted in our district in recent months appear to be predominantly Volkswagen, however also Mercedes and Audi.

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Owners of high value, desirable cars are advised to take extra precautions.

Key prevention advice:-

• Never leave car or other keys in open view of your letterbox or ground floor window where an offender could easily access them by fishing them out, consider installing a cage on the inside of the letter box.

• Always keep doors and windows locked.

• Fit a steering wheel lock / other aftermarket security devices

• It’s the car keys a thief wants, leave the keys downstairs in a suitable place. Aggravated burglary is very rare in Cambridgeshire, but if the thief is persistent enough to break in, it’s best that they take the keys and leave. The safety of people should always come before the safety of property.

• If you have a garage, always makes sure the car is parked in it overnight.

• Many of us have burglar alarms, but often don’t set them. Ensure your alarm is set.

• Invest in a tracking device, if your car is stolen there is a much better chance of it being traced.

• Be alert – consider who is around you and where your keys are.

• Report suspicious activity or interest in these types of vehicles to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Without putting yourself at risk, try and obtain a description of anyone seen, and registration numbers of vehicles if you can and pass these to the police operator.

• Criminal activity can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.